We learned that if you ask, they will give

"We learned that if you ask, they will give"

NOTE: This is the first in a periodical series of interviews with people involved in the Travelers for Open Land program. We want to showcase the creativity, commitment and professionalism of the people who are implementing and improving the Travelers for Open Land program.

Lucy Weeder's career in the hospitality industry started in 1984, working at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls, Montana. She soon become front desk manager at the Heritage, then was promoted to assistant general manager. In 2001, she moved to Missoula and assumed duties as general manager of the Best Western Grant Creek Inn. Two years ago she became a partner in the business, and is currently on the Montana Innkeepers Association board of directors. Lucy (below) and the staff at the Best Western Grant Creek Inn are among Travelers for Open Land's most enthusiastic supporters.

Q: Why has the Best Western Grant Creek Inn been such a vocal advocate for the Travelers for Open Land program?

A: Well, at first, I didn't even know what the program was, or did. But then I learned more about the program's focus on private land conservation. As a native Montanan, I've seen the growth in Montana, especially here in the Missoula area and the Bitterroot Valley.

In our own hearts, I think we'd like to keep Montana's open lands the way they are. We can accommodate growth and economic development, but it shouldn't come at the expense of what's important to us and makes Montana so special. We'd like to keep our open lands so people can come back again and enjoy them now and in the future.

Being in tourism, I think we have to offer people something special that will bring them - and their kids - back here to visit.

Q: What kind of training did you and your staff have to better understand the Travelers for Open Land program?

A: We started out with the video (a three-minute video that is available for viewing on the Travelers for Open Land website at http://www.travelersforopenland.org/) and the staff and I talked about what Montana meant to them. We talked about the people who come to our hotel who ask us what there is to see and what there is to do, and will that be available for them in the future. We have a lot people who stay here who want to do day trips, and they want maps of what to do and where to go...fishing, hiking, the best route to the park. We want to help protect that for them.

So mainly, we talked about what we wanted Montana to look like 20 years from now. We've seen Missoula change, and like most Montanans, the staff here values open lands.

Q: What has been the staff's response to implementing Travelers for Open Land here at the Grant Creek Inn?

A: First, they had to get more comfortable and confident communicating with guests about the Travelers program (at check-in or check-out, the front desk staff at the Grant Creek Inn asks the guest if they'd like to make a small donation to Travelers for Open Land). The staff is more comfortable talking about it now than in the beginning, and like other new things, it takes a little time, and it starts with training and our commitment to be our best.

The staff knows it's a good program, and we have a modest rewards program for the desk staff that collects the most funds for the program.

Q: How is Travelers for Open Land working here at the Best Western Grant Creek Inn?

A: I think it's working, but it's still new, and I'd like to see us do better. The program makes sense, it's good for Montana and good for the hospitality industry, and I like being a part of it.
Q: What has been the customer response to the program?

A: It's funny, some people quickly say things like, "Put me down for $25." Support for the program comes from people you wouldn't necessarily think would support it.

Overall, people are interested in the program and interested in protecting open lands. I think they understand the premise and purpose of the program, and they like the voluntary aspects of the program.

We've learned that if you ask, they will give.

Q: Do you have any advice or insights for participating properties who are not as engaged in the program as you folks are at the Grant Creek Inn?

A: When people - guests - understand their small donation helps protect important open lands, they say yes. But it takes some training and commitment from the front desk staff to ask that question and engage with the guest.

In fact, I think it would be a good idea for you all at Travelers for Open Land to personally meet with front desk staff and front desk managers, and maybe the staff and management at other businesses participating in the program, to explain the benefits of the program. That interaction from you with the program might really help.

This is a great program. I think we can go a long way with it.